VOLUME 10 ISSUE 23

Page 1

VOLUME 10 - No. 23

JUNE 28TH – JULY 5TH, 2014

Website: www.suntci.com

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 946-8542

PAYROLL TAX IN LIMBO

$1.00

www.facebook.com/tcisun

Fax: (649) 941-3281

Government considers amendments to Payroll Tax bill Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

Opposition Leader says controversial tax was going to die in Parliament by Vivian Tyson The opposition People’s Democratic Movement is asserting that there were enough votes in the House on Monday (June 23, 2014) to kill the proposed Payroll Tax bill that government is seeking to push through, which could be the reason government abruptly ended proceedings. “Whilst we do not know the Government’s plan whether they will allow the bill to go to a vote or withdraw the bill, we do know that there were 10

persons present who were voting NO. Even if all members from the Government were to collectively vote yes, there were sufficient NOs to kill the Bill. “We count this as a victory for the people of the Islands. We are awaiting the alternatives that the Minister of Finance made mentioned that he had been working on in the event that the Bill was unsuccessful,” Cartwright-Robinson said. Cartwright-Robinson lashed out at Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing for abruptly adjourning the House Sine Die, while there were many items on the

agenda to discuss. “We are disappointed but not surprised that the Premier continues to display such immature behavior continuing to adjourn the House with items on the Agenda and wasting the tax payers’ monies. There have been two motions on the agenda for several months relating to crime fighting and marine products, another two motions for less time but for two and three agendas respectively on minimum wage and Business Licenses,” she said. Continued on Page 2

The controversial payroll tax bill, which government is trying to push through into law could return to the House with some amendments, according to Finance Minister Hon. Washington Misick during an interview with The SUN this week. The bill had its first and second readings followed by debate in The House on Monday (June 23, 2014), but before a vote could be cast, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing called for an adjournment. Such decision has left many in the public wondering what’s next for the bill. There have been speculations that government would not bring back the bill to the House because it does not have much confidence in it passing, and so, would seek to replace it with an alternative, which Finance Minister Hon. Washington Misick made reference to recently. Continued on Page 2

BAND BOYZ NAMED BAND OF THE YEAR Islandcom’s Battle of the Bands competition was the event of the summer! The Turtle Cove Marina overflowed with concertgoers for the free event on Saturday, June 21st. Six bands competed for the top spots but after the judge’s deliberation and all numbers were calculated the winners for all categories were clearly established. In third place winning $1,000 was Gar land Band. In second place, winning $2,500 and 6 months of Islandcom service was Island Boys and taking home the grand prize of $5,000, a year of service from Islandcom, the People’s Choice Award for $1000 and the chance to record a song with Producers Keno and Kazz was the Band Boyz, pictured at left. There were also a few special awards won by individuals. Best Showmanship went to Whitfield Robinson from Island Boys; Best Vocalist went to Kacey Lewis of Band Boyz, and Breakout Musician went to Sherlock Joseph of Band Boyz. PLEASE SEE PAGES 24 &25 FOR FULL COVERAGE.

TCI named for sex trafficking, forced labour – Page 7

John Smith dismisses malicious rumours – Page 8

Speaker distances self from House media ban – Page 10


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.